Touching the Sky - Reproduction Giclee Print

107 GBP

A limited edition A3 Reproduction giclee print of an original painting
of the Touching the Sky by Cathy S R Read. The print is signed and numbered and includes a certificate of authenticity. The print comes mounted.

About the image:

What’s the tallest skyscraper in London?

It’s a common question. Skyscrapers compete for height. No sooner is
one boasting a record than a new rival it is announced as countries vie
against each other to hold the record. It’s the same in major cities
across the globe.

Size isn’t everything though.

Being the tallest will not last. Inevitably another colossus will be
erected to outstrip the previous holder. Eventually there must be a
limit, maybe it is the moon but there will be those towers that break
the mould.

Like the Gherkin, they capture the imagination for more than mere size.

Officially 30 St Mary’s Axe
or the Gherkin, is more commonly known for its shape not its height.
Although at 180 metres it’s not short by any accounts. From the moment
plans were released it was noticed and quickly dubbed the Gherkin.

To emphasise the curves and the twisted diamond pattern they create I chose a close up view for my painting Touching the Sky. And they do look like you could, don’t they?

The Gherkin is a unique structure with a deceptively simple profile,
an impressive feat of engineering and mathematical precision. The way
its green glass reflect and distort the surrounding buildings adds to
the appeal. Simplicity is often mistaken for easy, but simplicity is the
sign of a master. To have such a smooth exterior a lot of work has to
go into the design and how to keep it up there.

Why do we find these edifices so mesmeric?

Do they speak to some primitive emotion or desire for height and
safety? Personally I think so, I remember gazing in awe at the giant
Mill chimneys of my hometown. These are even more awe inspiring, if
anything and yet we have become complacent about them. Only noticing
when there is a novel shaped addition to the landscape.

The term skyscraper speaks for itself. In an age where they are
commonplace it’s hard to imagine the impact they had on the people who
first saw them but we can all marvel at designs like this. They appear
to be touching the sky and communing with the gods. They are
realisations of dreams.

And when we reach the top to see the view. We feel like we are in charge of the world.

The original painting
Sketching London is
painted on watercolour paper. The image is
created with masking fluid before painting it with watercolour
wash covered with clingfilm. Once this is removed the picture is further
developed using acrylic inks which are left to dry before the masking
is removed to reveal the final picture.

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About

From ground breaking design to the decaying remnants of a glorious past, Cathy brings cities to life with unique and exciting style. Masking fluid drawings allow her expressive use of ink and watercolour. The results reflecting cities in all their glory.